Meet fleece socks:

These suckers took me 7, yes 7 attempts to finally get them right. And yes, I kept trying until I made the socks fit. I tried several different patterns but finally ended up using this pattern and voila.The purpose behind these socks was to provide a little comfort to my friend heading to the hospital to have her little baby boy. I hope while many other parts of her are uncomfortable her feet will be in sock heaven. These are the most comfortable, cozy socks ever! I plan on making myself several pairs and some for the jealous onlookers that watched me put them together.

We helped a little friend celebrate his 3rd birthday last week. This friend loves cars, motorcycles and all things that go. I’ve seen these car rolls and have attempted them a couple of times but this one I included the fold out racetrack to go with it. I wanted the race track to be big enough for the cars to really get a chance to burn some rubber so this was the end result.

Here it is all wrapped up! Very handy to be thrown in a bag, car, purse etc!And here it is all laid out. The pockets hold 11 cars which are plenty for whatever situation. The fold out part is 24×18 so it gives plenty of room for play.

Here we are giving it a test whirl before wrapping it up to put in the party bag.

A friend of mine asked if I could make this strap for her camera. It was easy-peasy. And dresses up the camera so nicely. Another thing I need to add to the list of stuff to make myself. It has a nice layer of batting in the middle of the strap to make it a little easier on the neck too!Doesn’t it look so cute on her?

I’m slowly making my way back to the craft world. I miss it, but my energy is lacking. Sudden burst of energy+original birthday present idea fail=

I found the pattern here, and didn’t have the fun ruffle fabric so I did some adjusting to give it its own style. Oh and did I mention I only had a few hours to get it done in. I think I need to pace myself a little better as I head back in!

Well, finally, after six weeks of having absolutely NO ENERGY (for a very good reason of a little bean growing in my belly) , I managed to get this craft finished before my dear friend left.

My absolute number one dislike about army is good-byes. There is just no easy way to do it. My friend that just left moved here about the same time as me. She lived six houses down from me. Her husband and mine were gone the exact same time. Her son is two weeks older than mine. We were each other’s wife for a year. We explored much of Washington together. With this last fact, I felt it only appropriate to send her son off with a book of Washington.

I had a great time reminiscing over our last few years together as I looked through my photos to choose which ones to use. It was crazy to see how much the boys had grown from when they were 5 months, and how much of Washington we actually explored together. I did include a few places that were very Washington that we didn’t see together, but that’s ok!I used the wonderful fabric you can print on for the pictures and the kids and I had fun looking for “Washington” fabrics to use. I love the umbrellas!The edges still look a little rough here but after some washes and use, they will fray nicely and not be shedding all the time.

Here’s Boyce giving his buddy one last hug. We’re going to miss you!

Now crafty friends, let’s be honest: do you make everything for gifts only to find the recipients don’t think it’s as cool as the 3 days and 14 hours you put into it? Do they never wear/use/play with your gift? Do you sometime feel unappreciated?

I am super blessed with awesome family. When a chance comes around to give them something I make, I get really excited because I know they’ll love what I made them, even if it didn’t turn out how I wanted or if there are mistakes or it doesn’t quite fit (or all of the above).

It was my sister-in-laws birthday this past week and she’s a gem. She loves tiny things, turquoise things, and pretty [not-so-practical] things, which is so endearing. I found this tutorial on one of the many blogs I watch and she immediately came to mind. Really easy, totally functional, and doesn’t hurt your head: sailor knot nautical headband.

I hope you are mesmerized by the cute headband and not disgusted by how dirty my hair is…

Not a very focused picture, but you get the idea. So nice to have the hair tie to connect it – it doesn’t hurt your head after a whole day like every other headband in the world. A sewing machine is helpful but not necessary for this project.

I still love shopping for gifts, but I think all gifts should be supplemented with something straight from the giver’s hands. If you’re related to me and hate homemade things…so sorry.